Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy informed today that he has requested the centre to exempt Puducherry from NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). According to media reports, he said that he has written a letter to the centre, pleading about exempting Puducherry from the ambit of NEET.
The Supreme Court made NEET mandatory for admission to medical courses across the country last year. Tamil Nadu has gone against the ruling of the apex court and passed two bills in the assembly, earlier this month. The bills, if passed by the President, will enable the state to allow admission of medical students in various courses based on their board examination marks. Following suit, the Puducherry CM has also written a letter to the Health Ministry, seeking exemption from NEET for the state. The reason being quoted is the difference in the syllabus of CBSE to that off the state board.
Like Tamil Nadu, admission in medical courses across Puducherry takes place based on the marks scored in board examination by the students. The medical aspirants are shortlisted by the Centralised Admission Committee (CAC) on the basis of their board scores. CAC is a government of Puducherry controlled body that is responsible for preparing Biology-based courses merit list for the Union Territory.
There are currently seven private and one government medical institute in Puducherry, which offers 1,300 MBBS seats every year. “We will not be able to accept NEET-based selection as schools in the Union Territory are not fully equipped to adopt the CBSE syllabus,” said Narayansamy, as reported by media reports.
In the present political context of Tamil Nadu, it will be difficult for the bills to get an ascent soon from the President. Aspirants are confused whether to apply for the NEET or stick to their board examination preparation. With more states like Puducherry joining in demanding exemption from NEET, this will make matters even more confusing for the aspirants.